Paving the way for a large-scale equity investment via a preferential issue, India’s mid-sized private bank, Federal Bank, has opened doors in a major strategic action. It is about how a major private-equity investor can acquire roughly a ten-per-cent share. Sources claim the bank is aiming for a fresh-equity issue of roughly 9.99 per cent, which could yield about Rs 5,000 to 6,000 crore.
Emerging as the favorite candidate to take part in the transaction is the potential investor, an affiliate of Blackstone Inc. , a US-based company. The suggested framework calls for preferential share allocation and related warrants, hence possibly ensuring a board seat for the incoming member. On November 19, the board of Federal Bank is set to hold an unusual general meeting to obtain shareholder approval for preferential share issuance and associated governance modifications.
GTRI report on US tariffs indicates that should the deal go through, Blackstone’s Indian subsidiary would become Federal Bank’s single biggest shareholder, departing from its usual approach. Classic emphasis outside the banking industry. The timing of the capital raise is remarkable: the bank last reported a 9.6 % fall in its September quarter’s net profit, blamed on lower Treasury revenue and increased provisions for bad loans. The institution is simultaneously handling a loan book of nearly ₹2.44 trillion.
Although the Blackstone affiliate refused to comment, Federal Bank did not address questions. Although the ultimate conditions are subject to regulatory approvals, including from competition and banking authorities, analysts estimate the preferential issue could be priced around ₹210–215 per share. This growth takes place against a background of rising private-equity involvement in India’s banking industry , where major international investors are looking to collaborate with local lenders. For Federal Bank, the move points toward a large capital-markets effort and perhaps a change in strategic direction and shareholder base.